A New Blood Test Could Detect Breast Cancer, Reducing the Need for Invasive Biopsies

By signing up I agree to the Privacy Policy. I also agree to receive periodic emails with offers and promotional marketing messages from First for Women.

Woo hoo!

Your life just got exponentially better and more stylish now you've signed up for our newsletter. Fabulousness awaits!

A welcome change to invasive methods of detecting breast cancer may soon be available in the form of a blood test. Until now, the definitive way to determine cancerous lumps in the breast was by the removal of cells, otherwise known as a needle biopsy. But while it is an effective means of detection, many women find it to be uncomfortable.

Following an abnormal mammogram or imaging result, clinicians may decide to conduct the new blood test, dubbed the Videssa Breast, to potentially rule out the risk of breast cancer.

The revolutionary study, published in the journal Clinical Breast Cancer, found that the blood test had the potential to cut back the need for biopsies by almost 67 percent. How? By identifying the specific proteins produced when the body is working to fight breast cancer cells.

“When a mammogram yields an abnormal result, the challenge for every clinician is to decide which patients need follow-up, further imaging, or biopsy,” study author Josie R. Alpers said. “A test that is well-validated in a prospective trial means clinicians have a new way to accurately identify which patients may or may not need additional follow-up.”

Wow, what exciting news for cancer patients!

What are the signs and symptoms of breast cancer?

Besides a breast lump, which 83 percent of diagnosed women bring to their doctors, women should also seek professional advice for:

Early detection is vital and can save lives. If you’re experiencing any of the above symptoms, wish to find out more, or want to schedule a check-up, visit your doctor today. It could make all the difference.

This post was written by Katie Skelly. For more, check out our sister siteNow To Love.

Check out these surprising facts about cancer you probably never knew.

Next: See celebrities who are cancer survivors.

1
of
11

Edie Falco: Breast cancer, 2004 Falco kept her treatment a secret from her Sopranos co-stars. “Surviving cancer has a way of making you re-prioritize," she's said. In her case, it meant starting a family.